Traveller, the PGL-III-A (aka Nova 'Alpha' Series) uses CR2's and I do believe IIRC they have a fatter version for higher powers that runs on an 18650... but yea the M series is amazing, and you can ask CNI to put a side-clicky instead of a rear clicky (or in my case a side-momentary) and it works out quite nicely for pointing (as opposed to burning) purposes. I think of it as a step-up from a standard pen pointer host, but not a burner host. Burner hosts should focus on heatsinking, should be fairly even in terms of how it sits on a surface (if you get what I mean...), and don't have as much importance on size. Personally I love the rather-compact size, the military style, the IR filter being in the ap-cap, the 18650-batt, the durability (dust-proof and dare-I-say
waterproof?) and well because it's a CNI and I'm a big fan
hope that was fairly insightful
oh and it pisses me off that CNI is now making 532nm GLP's (CR2 Version) in excess of
250mW (
275mW Nova Endeavor series??? COME ON!) and STILL no word on M's over 200... :spank:
peace & thanks
-cmaki
The PGL-A (the NOVA Alpha) is available in several wavelengths- 473nm, 532nm, and 405nm. I'm sure more wavelengths are available upon request.
The 532nm version is available in AA and 18650 battery configuration.
The 405nm version runs on 2 CR2s.
The 473nm version is built to accept 1 CR123A.
They are all the same size, with the length varying 1-2mm depending on battery type and module length.
The PGL-A is slightly smaller than the PGL-M.
In my personal opinion, I think that the PGL-III-A is a superior host to the PGL-III-M.
I think the PGL-M is great, but I love having an aperture shutter and the cylindrical design is more appealing to me.
When I get my yellow, I am positive I will ask CNI to put it in a PGL-III-A.
I may even get a second blue in the same host. Hell, maybe I'll get a green PGL-III-A too, just to match.
Also, I don't think that the PGL-M is waterproof. It looks like it can be modified to be water resistant with relative ease, but I don't think it's "dunkable" as is.
Regarding the >200mW PGL-Ms...
If you want a laser that is not advertised on their site, you will need to contact them directly and make a special request. Be prepared to shell out some extra $$$, though.
The reason sites like Laserglow and NOVA (sister companies, by the way) are able to provide high power units like the 275mW Endeavor or the 40mW Rigel is because these companies buy their stock and sort them based on output power, then put each unit through a quality check. The absurdly efficient ones are rare "freaks" and these units are not part of the regular supply.
It would be difficult, if not impossible, to produce "freaks" regularly, which is why CNI does not advertise them.
All lasers are NOT created equal.
Not only that, but I would not be surprised if CNI does not update their product list as often as they should.
Also, for those of you that are into the high power handhelds, the PGL-III-C, while a bit larger, is not "un-portable." In fact, I am usually surprised at how small it is, considering the fact that my PGL pumps out more than 0.65W of green.
The PGL-A, M, and C series are
all too large to fit in the average pocket comfortably, so consider this when making your purchase.
What is it about the "M" hosts that you like? Their slim-line appearance (i.e. fin-less heatsink) or the clicky at the back of the unit? I don't like "handhelds" in general, but at this price-point, I can't cope with the idea of spending $400 on a pointer... 
